Welcome to Friday Gaggers and all you training disadvantaged, melanin depleted, binary gendered, kids born out of wedlock. As we have fun Worldwide Ladies’s Day, Sam Kerr model. So wipe the vomit from the taxi flooring and include me down this week’s rugby rabbit gap of surprise, amazement and journey.
We kick begin as we speak by taking a look at a ‘Document Breaking Consequence’. Then shake ourselves off and bask within the reflective sky blue glory of probably the biggest rugby win ever by an Australian aspect in ‘Tahriffic Efficiency’. Swap gears fully and revisit the Brumbies capitulation in ‘Weakened at Bernie’s?’. Earlier than diving head lengthy into Spherical #3 of SRP and ‘Learn the Indicators’. Then put an exclamation mark in your rugby week with ‘Friday’s Goss with Hoss’ now in discussions with Ms Kerr, to play the primary function within the upcoming biopic, ‘I’m Sam. F@@@@@g Deal With it You F@@@@@g Silly White B@@@@@d’
Document Breaking Consequence?
Effectively, is dependent upon your definition of report huh? Sure, it actually was a ‘report’, the identical approach Yowie additionally has a ‘report’ for performing the ‘squashed frog’ on a rec-room window to unsuspecting residents at a Beenleigh nursing residence. As at all times, the satan is within the element.
What do you get when have an ailing coach, surrounded by hand picked-sycophants, then presenting the deluded dictator with the logins to the corporate checking account? And all this with none oversight? Why a $2.6 million greenback World Cup overspend, that’s what.
Yep Gaggers, the RA studies are in, the mud has settled and the self proclaimed messiah of Oz Rugby, the person who left Australian Rugby in a ‘higher place’ whereas concurrently making use of for different teaching jobs and main us to World Cup humiliation, additionally overspent on the dismal marketing campaign by a cool $2.6m. Think about if we had, in some way, gone deeper within the RWC!
The information of the finances butchering blowout is only one of a collection of findings from a evaluation instigated by RA and overseen by Andrew Slack, Justin Harrison, Darlene Harrison and Moana Leilua.
The SMH has the complete story from Scoop Respectable, for these that may’t entry the SMH, at a look:
- 94 contributors
- 23 suggestions
Phil Waugh “The over-investment that was unapproved was $2.6 million, which coated three most important components: crew prices, workers journey and participant advantages. Delegation of authority is vital. Clearly there have been breaches in that space and we’ve made personnel adjustments on the again of a few of these breaches. I believe it’s simply the transparency of how a crew is chosen after which making certain as soon as that crew is chosen, ensuring that the gamers are communicated to appropriately.”
“It’s ensuring there are clear channels for gamers to lift any issues that inside an surroundings and there’s no penalties” Waugh stated. “Clearly, there’s been a breakdown in belief from management, the organisation and the gamers. Because the finish of the World Cup, it’s my duty to make sure that the gamers are in the best surroundings and one which’s world-class. I believe that it got here by that we didn’t create that surroundings for the gamers.”
I perceive we’ve flogged the lifeless horse that’s Eddie Jones and his teaching. However significantly Gaggers, learn between the traces above on the absolute insanity, lunacy and whole ineptitude of life in Camp Wallaby underneath Dr Evil and the coaches he employed. For my part Jones clearly suffers a psychopathy {that a} medial crew actually ought to consider. At his personal expense after all.
Tahriffic Efficiency.
A query for all as we speak’s readers and asking for a buddy: what Australian aspect has full dominance and probably the most winningest report over the Crusaders this decade?
Lately I learn a telling, deep and encyclopedic perception into the kicking woes of the NSW Waratahs. This magnificent piece acknowledged, to ensure that their season to enhance, their kicking wanted to enhance by metrics not measured in any tangible quantity. Until after all you’re Elon Musk’s accountant and also you simply make numbers up that don’t exist. It was such a quantum enchancment of their kicking that helped the Tahs to yet one more well-deserved victory over serial bunnies, the Christchurch E book of Christianity Center Japanese Enforcement Division. Nevertheless, it was extra, rather more than that. For the primary time in a rugby eon, the Tahs have been truly larger than the sum of their elements.
To a person, the Tah ahead pack hunted and performed as one. The Gambler, Kenny Rogers at #7 was Herculesesque and topped the deal with depend at 20-odd and it wasn’t simply that he tackled the home down, he disrupted rucks and slowed the Crusaders at each alternative, usually with sufficient stress for the Saders to fluff their traces whereas he linked extraordinarily effectively on assault. I additionally witnessed an actual assertion of intent from Flanders Hanigan. Flanders was second on 16 tackles (@ 100% completion thoughts you) from his stellar 28 minutes off the pine. And he hit arduous in addition to hitting usually, and he confirmed actual smarts (as did different Tahs) in executing a good few choke tackles after they held up the Saders ball runners thus evoking a maul and subsequent turnovers. The props each had nice shifts with ‘The Bull’ rising into the set piece battle; I really like seeing him run and pop the go. ‘Tony Soprano’ (HJH) had an enormous shift. Beginning the sport after which approaching once more later as an damage substitute after his first shift was over. He was sturdy on the meat and potatoes and in addition had some tremendous gravy moments as effectively.
Commissioner Gordon led fantastically, and like a conductor atop of his sport led the Tahs orchestra magnificently. It’s simple to neglect that not solely did he pull off two intercepts that noticed him rating a strive himself after which arrange the Tahs the following part on the other wing. However, it was additionally he who sprinted again and put within the final ditch dive to pressure the knock on from the man voted least prone to win an IWD award, Sevu Reece. With the Saders threatening a really Sader-like final 10 minutes and a rising sense of ‘oh spit, maintain on, right here they arrive’, it was moments like this effort from The Commissioner that proved a real perception into crew Tah spirit.
I do know ‘Alfred E Neuman’ (Edmed) bought the candies on the evening, however my MotM, simply forward of Gordon, was one Jethro Holloway. Jethro was epic; he didn’t have one spotlight reel second, or runaway strive, or miracle go, however what he did do is the stuff coaches and teammates adore. Secured lineout tablet, disrupted and stole theirs, made essential tackles and held some as much as safe turnover possession, tackled every part, linked fantastically on assault and produced his greatest sport for 12 months. The identical sort of type that noticed him rightly grow to be a Wallaby. Lengthy might it final.
This win was deserved, greater than that it was earned. We as spectators bought a glimpse backstage to the kind of soul this Tahs crew has, that may result in a efficiency and consequence like final week’s, and credit score should go to Yowie who first noticed it at Suncorp stadium in spherical one. Three shandies deep and over the din of the gang and the crackling of banjoes, I may hear him usually yell to me: ‘Hoss, you Tah soul!’
Sure certainly Yowser, sure certainly.
Weakened at Bernies?
Wow! Simply what, precisely, was that? Final week the Brumbies weren’t simply off or poor, or listless, or fatigued or out of kilter, have been they? Nope, they have been pure and utter rancid. I don’t recall ever seeing a Brumbies aspect play like that. Not ever. To a person their pack have been powder puffs: comfortable and confirmed the type of resistance I’d anticipate from half-set bowls of jelly sitting on a counter high. Really, that’s in all probability a tad unfair; at some stage jelly units more durable and its resistance improves.
And it wasn’t a crew of newbies or damage enforced adjustments. This was a crew of present Wallaby gamers, Australia A gamers and long-term and confirmed performers at Tremendous Rugby stage. And whereas it wasn’t only a single Ponies participant who failed the character check, the one I’ve highlighted as indicative of a wider malaise for soiling one’s rugby sheets is Andy Sewerhead. For when it got here to his rugby outing final week, each rugby thought or execution he displayed, wreaked of him being inflicted with the rugby equal of sh*t for brains.
And it was simply so very confronting and complicated. As a result of on these very Friday pages I’ve acknowledged my admiration for him as an excellent, very constant and excessive performing rugby participant! So simply who was this different man that appeared like him, had the man-bun like him, had the identical manscaping as him, but performed so goddam awfully, so in contrast to him? And once I say ‘terrible’ I’ve watched plenty of Western Power video games, so I know terrible once I see it.
I don’t know that I noticed him full a single solitary deal with. I noticed loads of arm grabbing, flip model, ‘this method to the exit’ sort defence. I noticed ‘bugger I’m out of place once more’ sort panic. However not one efficient deal with, not one shoulder on sort try. And the cherry on high, the signature version second that greatest summed up his and the crew’s efficiency? His kick late within the sport that result in one other Chuffs rating. Effectively, technically it was a ‘kick’ as a result of his foot was concerned, albeit unwillingly it might appear. And that sums up the Brumbies final week, even the gamers limbs have been refusing to contribute to the utter canine’s breakfast they served as much as Oz rugby followers.
Bulldog meet porridge: go your hardest. Really that’s additionally unfair, trigger at the least the bulldog has intent. The Brumbies positive didn’t, effectively not any that I may decipher anyway. The kicking was atrocious. The tackling was insipid. Their assault uninspired and customarily the ACT Brumbies appeared unsure and timid. It was extraordinarily ‘unBrumby-like’ and really a lot boys towards males, with a consequence that at fulltime truly flattered the Brumbies.
As for the Chuffs, even at spherical two they’re the raging favourites for the entire shebang. They will run round you, by you or over you. They’ve measurement a lots, pace in every single place and with D-Mac alternating seamlessly between #10 and #15 they’re bloody improbable to look at. They seem to have so many strings to their attacking bow that they don’t have to be invited to rumble straight over you. The Brumbies didn’t a lot invite them as stand to the edges and watch the spectacle as an alternative!
What actually bought my goat, although, was that the Tahs had already opened the doorways for them for an Aussie avalanche of wins towards the Kiwis in Mexico. Us followers had the very actual alternative to come back out of Mexico with 4 wins to Kiwis one (1). The Brumbies, the actual Brumbies might need nonetheless misplaced to the imperious Chuffs, however they might have had a dig. I don’t know who that lot was?
Learn the Indicators.
All aboard for Spherical #3 SRP motion.
Workforce information right here from Completely happy’s Thursday Information.
Friday 8 March 5:05 pm AEDT – Moana Pasifika v Melbourne Rebels at FMG Stadium, Hamilton on Stan Sport
I have to admit that MP have been significantly better than I had given them credit score for. They’re fitter, sooner and as a bonus, bloody giant people as effectively and so they deserved their win towards the Drua in what was a cracking sport final week. Lotu Inisis at #8 for MP was extraordinarily spectacular and for me was the purpose of distinction between the 2 sides.
For the Rebels. Effectively, I don’t understand how they really gained it after being so comprehensively outgunned by these from the Western frontier. However I do know that The Abattoir will probably be one relieved Insurgent prop for 2 causes:
- They gained.
- If it wasn’t for the spineless exhibiting by the Ponies forwards, the Abattoir would have copped each barrels for probably the most pathetic, embarrassing and shameful hit up by a ahead within the historical past of the sport. Certain he can swear when mic’d up on STAN, however Nella, you’re 150kg and a battering ram, how ’bout enjoying like one!
Flash Gordon bought an intercept beginning a Rebels run that noticed three tries in eight minutes to steamroll the Power. However, what actually helped was Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (‘FKA’) enjoying his greatest ever sport of SR and was the standout performer for mine. If it wasn’t for FKA I reckon the Power maintain on and get the candies final week. FKA was ably supported by Josh Canham. I like this child for increased honours. He burst on the scene second half of ’23 and has picked up the place he left off. And the Rebels loosies who all had sturdy video games.
If the Rebels forwards can present up as a cohesive pack and nullify the MP meat lovers then it’ll go an extended method to successful this one. I truly discover this the toughest sport to tip this week. Begin gradual and it will likely be an extended time out for the Mexican aspect. Let’s simply hope it doesn’t come all the way down to aim kicking although, as a result of Flash has missed two in entrance this season and appears to be the Ian Baker-Finch of aim kicking. Yip, Yip, Yip.
Fearless Prediction: My intestine tells me MP simply, by 5. However equally, it may very well be Rebels by 20. Ah bugger it. A draw.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle
Friday 8 March 7:35 pm AEDT – NSW Waratahs v Highlanders at Allianz Stadium on Stan Sport
The Sader slayers up towards the worst of the Kiwi coven? It’s lengthy been a Tahs failing that they win towards all odds and lose when they need to win.
Fearless Prediction: However not this time. There’s gold in dem dare Tah hills this season I tells ya. Tahs by 19.
Referee: Damon Murphy Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, James Palmer
Saturday 9 March 12:05 pm AEDT – Fijian Drua v Crusaders at Churchill Park on Stan Sport
First residence sport of the yr. Scorching, 118% humidity, boisterous residence crowd, expectations excessive and enjoying towards a aspect who used to resemble the Crusaders? Is it any surprise the Tahs sacked this coach years in the past!
Fearless Prediction: ‘0 & 3’ for the Crusaders. Drua by 11. Oh expensive.
Referee: Nic Berry Assistant Referees: George Myers, Jeremy Markey
Saturday 9 March 2:35 pm AEDT – ACT Brumbies v Western Power at GIO Stadium on Stan Sport
I stated all of it above, the Brumbies have been so dangerous it beggars perception. The Power are courageous, however with out depth. The true curiosity will probably be if the Brumbies forwards can rise above that efficiency of final week?
I’d anticipate with the Power skinny up entrance and a reasonably brutal ‘evaluation’ and punishment week, sorry, ‘coaching’ week the Brumbies would possibly entrance up for this one. However will it really matter for a lot? It’s solely the Power.
Fearless Prediction: Brumbies by 25.
Referee: Dan Waenga Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Jordan Kaminski
Saturday 9 March 5:05 pm AEDT – Hurricanes v Blues at Sky Stadium on Stan Sport
The Canes have been excellent towards the Reds, particularly from the angle of one other infringing and violent recidivist Barrett member of the family being proven but one other vino. On that word I reckon each time certainly one of them takes the sector they need to be given an instantaneous yellow card simply to avoid wasting time afterward.
The Blues look to be solely second in time period of all spherical sport play to the Chuffs. Once more they’ve measurement, pace and expertise throughout the putch and might pores and skin opposition sides in additional methods than one.
For all of that I did assume the Communists woz robbed final week. As Completely happy identified yesterday, what ought to’ve been a Reds ruck penalty and a aim try from Reds #10, Michael junior, as an alternative noticed a lineout 10m out from the Reds and a Canes strive in golden level. Anyhoo.
Fearless Prediction: Could possibly be a clanger. Blues by 5.
Referee: Jordan Approach Assistant Referees: Nick Hogan, Natarsha Ganley
Saturday 9 March 7:35 pm AEDT – Queensland Reds v Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium on Stan Sport
One other potential cracking sport to spherical out the week. The toothless, banjo-strumming, cousin- loving Crimson followers among the many Gagger writing crew (it’s OK they don’t learn Fridays or, extra to the purpose, have NSW mates learn it to them) ‘celebrated’ the Reds loss final week, unusually due to how a lot enchancment that they had in them? No point out of enjoying a 14 man Canes crew for 20 minutes, or sufficient tablet to decrease unplanned pregnancies within the Hunter. Nope, bizzarely they have been actually good, as a result of they weren’t actually good after they may’ve been? Riiiiiiight. Solely within the QPRQ.
In all of the hooha of who was greatest #10 final week between Alfred E Neuman: nope – bought skinned twice on D that result in Saders tries. Flash Gordon: nope – for the second week in a row missed from proper in entrance and common kicking was poor. Or Benny D: to be honest was the decide of the three with a much less ‘revered’ ahead pack round him.
The winner, nevertheless, in my view was Tom Lynagh. He’s rugby’s Mark Waugh. He seems to have a lot time on the ball, unflustered, unhurried, appears to have the ability to compartmentalise, defends like a man 15kg heavier, has a pure kicking sport from hand or tee and regardless of his tender years, may be our Orange #10 for a decade. He’s probably the most full #10 I’ve seen in an extended whereas. No flash about his sport, no flaws both. He appears to be like made for check rugby. You heard it hear first of us: Tom Lynagh would be the Aussie Dan Carter.
And I have to admit to creating a little bit of a person crush of Liam Wright. Each inch a correct rugby participant. Liam you’re welcome on the Tahs any time.
See above for feedback round Chuffs and their risks. The Commies, effectively, they’ve the supplies, however can they refine the product?
Fearless Prediction: Sure they will. Reds by 1. Come on ‘slanders, prove in numbers and get the job accomplished.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
Friday’s Goss with Hoss
Moore Borthwick?
Not a lot it seems. Former Pommy rake Brian Moore ain’t no fan. planetrugby.com has Moore.
Redneck Authorities?
The SMH studies:
‘The Hurricanes’ ladies’s Tremendous Rugby aspect, often called the Poua, carried out a haka that contained the phrases “karetao o te Kawana kakiwhero” which interprets in English to “puppets of this redneck authorities”.‘
Allegedly impressed by Sam Kerr, the organisation is about to apologise to the federal government for the oversight. For what they actually meant to say was……
stuff.co.nz additionally has a reply from Kiwi kingmaker, Sir Winston Peters.
Greatest Loser’s Plate Continues.
The northern hemisphere’s comp for greatest shedding World Cup semi-final aspect continues this weekend. Take a look at all the small print at sixnationsrugby.com/en
St Joe Pontificates.
New coach and universally good man St Joe Schmidt opens as much as planetrugby.com about subsequent yr’s inbound FUKIRs tour. And I could also be surmising a bit, however basically tells them: ‘we bought this’. Certainly we do Joe.
Till subsequent week. Go the Tahs.
Hoss – out.